View into the sky from Nathmal Ki Haveli courtyard, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Carved from two points of view. Nathmal Ki Haveli, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

What if two architects worked on the same house but saw it differently? Nathmal Ki Haveli in Jaisalmer offers the answer in carved sandstone. Built in the late 19th century, the haveli is associated with architect brothers Hathi and Lulu, who worked independently on its two sides. They look similar at first, but their fine details differ.

The building has two courtyards: a smaller one at the front and a larger one towards the rear. These open spaces helped circulate air and provided shaded areas for family gatherings and relaxation in Jaisalmer's desert climate. The carvings are just as intriguing. Traditional figures of horses, cattle and flowers appear alongside bicycles and steam engines, reflecting the 19th century's fascination with new technology. Two life-sized sandstone elephants guard the entrance.

With its clever layout and contrasting details, Nathmal Ki Haveli proves that even when two sides look alike, they can still have their own point of view.